Immy Stead, a 20-year-old student from Reading, Berkshire, faced a life-changing diagnosis after experiencing persistent leg pain. Initially, she attributed the discomfort to her new driving lessons, which began in January 2022. After a few lessons, she started feeling sharp pains in her left knee and thigh. Immy and her parents, Lucy and Jamie, thought it was just “clutch leg,” a common issue for new drivers. The pain eased after a week, but it returned stronger in January 2023.
Despite seeing her GP and receiving painkillers, the pain persisted. Immy sought private physiotherapy, but the discomfort continued. In January 2024, she consulted a hip specialist, leading to an MRI scan that revealed a 10 cm tumor in her femur. The diagnosis was Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
The news was devastating for Immy and her family. Lucy, a primary school teacher, described the moment they learned of Immy’s cancer as beyond heartbreaking. They quickly realized they needed to stay strong for Immy, who was in significant pain. Two weeks after her diagnosis, Immy began a rigorous treatment plan that included 14 rounds of chemotherapy at Oxford University Hospitals, which lasted about seven months. Fortunately, the treatment started to work almost immediately, and the tumor began to shrink.
After completing her chemotherapy in August 2024, Immy underwent a four-hour surgery on September 26, where doctors performed a full hip replacement and replaced 20 cm of her femur with a prosthetic. Today, she is cancer-free and attends the University of Bristol, where she studies English Literature.
Immy’s mother, Lucy, is now preparing to run the London Marathon on April 27, 2025, to raise funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT). So far, she has raised over $28,000. Lucy hopes to support other families facing similar challenges and express gratitude for the care Immy received. She described Immy as resilient and inspiring throughout her treatment, emphasizing that she refuses to let cancer define her.
Kate Connor, Interim Director of Fundraising at BCRT, praised Lucy’s efforts, stating that her dedication brings hope to families dealing with bone cancer. With regular check-ups every two months, Immy is focused on rebuilding her strength and mobility, and her family is thankful for the support they received during such a difficult time.